True Spies: Espionage | Investigation | Crime | Murder | Detective | Politics
SPYSCAPE
True Spies takes you inside the world's greatest espionage and detective operations. Our hosts Hayley Atwell, Vanessa Kirby, Sophia Di Martino, Daisy Ridley and Rhiannon Neads talk to the real spies behind the missions. What do they know? What are their skills? And what would you do in their position? We explore and investigate real life thrillers, mysteries and crimes - stories that prove truth is stranger than fiction! These stories cover lies, murder, theft, sex, drugs and rock ‘n roll. You’ll meet experts from the top intelligence agencies including FBI, CIA, MI5, MI6 (SIS), KGB, GRU, Mossad and many others. You’ll discover characters who spied because of money, ideology, coercion or just plain old ego. And, if you’d like to dig deeper into the world of secrets, and test your own secret intelligence skills, head over to spyscape.com for articles, games, experiences, puzzles and videos.For episodes first and ad-free, subscribe to Spyscape+ at: plus.Spyscape.comA Cup & Nuzzle production. Series producers: Gemma Newby, Joe Foley. Music: Nick Ryan.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 26, 2024 • 54min
True Spies Debriefs: Tim Tate on the Spycatcher Scandal
Tim Tate, a best-selling author and acclaimed documentary filmmaker, shares his fascinating insights on the high-stakes world of espionage. He unravels the connections between KGB mole Mikhail Golianevesky and MI5's Peter Wright. Besides illuminating the repercussions of Tate's 'Spycatcher' work, he candidly reveals his own brush with being labeled a national security threat. The discussion also touches on the transparency battles faced by journalists during the turbulent Thatcher era and the ethical dilemmas within intelligence agencies.
Nov 19, 2024 • 51min
To Catch a Spy | Investigation
Tim Tate, a veteran investigative journalist and documentary filmmaker, delves into the riveting tale of Peter Wright, an MI5 whistleblower who challenged the Thatcher government in the 1980s. They discuss the Spycatcher Affair and its legal battles, shedding light on the tension between government secrecy and transparency. Tate also reveals the moral complexities of MI5's operations, including controversial surveillance tactics and the enigmatic Roger Hollis case, raising questions about trust and betrayal within British intelligence.
Nov 12, 2024 • 49min
True Spies Classic: Shadow Games | Special Forces
James Stejskal, a former Special Forces operative in Cold War Berlin, dives into the covert world of espionage. He shares thrilling tales from the Tehran Hostage Crisis, illuminating the secrecy and peril of elite missions. Listeners hear about the intense dynamics between East and West Berlin, the personal sacrifices of operatives, and the harrowing details of Operation Eagle Claw. Stejskal also reflects on the lasting legacy of Special Forces Berlin and his efforts to document this unique history in his book.
Nov 5, 2024 • 43min
True Spies Debriefs: James Stejskal in Berlin as The Wall fell
James Stejskal, an ex-special forces operative with a rich background in espionage, shares firsthand accounts of the dramatic events as the Berlin Wall fell on November 9, 1989. He vividly describes the jubilant chaos and the global scramble for Stasi intelligence amid the historic shift. The discussion delves into the emotional impact of newfound freedom, the frenzied destruction of crucial files, and the implications for international intelligence operations. Stejskal's insights paint a gripping picture of a momentous time in history.
8 snips
Oct 29, 2024 • 47min
Special Forces Kinshasa | Green Berets
James Stejskal, an ex-CIA operative and former Green Beret, shares gripping tales from his time in Zaire during political upheaval and the onset of the AIDS crisis. He navigates the chaos as tensions surge under dictator Mobutu Sese Seko, focusing on the critical role of the American embassy amidst violence. Intriguing anecdotes reveal dining under duress, security challenges, and the unexpected romance in a perilous setting. Stejskal paints a vivid picture of personal sacrifice and the complexities of safeguarding a nation in crisis.
8 snips
Oct 22, 2024 • 51min
True Spies Classic: Gray Suit and The Ghost
Eric O'Neill, a former FBI undercover operative who played a pivotal role in apprehending notorious spy Robert Hanssen, shares his thrilling experiences from the investigation. He recounts the tense moments of trying to lure Hanssen into a rental car, only to encounter unexpected complications. O'Neill also delves into the dual life of Hanssen, revealing how feelings of underappreciation fueled his treachery. With insights into the psychological challenges of undercover work, O'Neill highlights the fine line between loyalty and betrayal in the world of espionage.
6 snips
Oct 15, 2024 • 43min
True Spies: Debriefs - Eric O'Neill on the frontiers of cyberwarfare
Eric O'Neill, a renowned security expert known for capturing notorious spy Robert Hansen, shares insights on the alarming rise of cyber warfare and espionage. He highlights the projected $20 trillion cost to the global economy by 2026 and explores the dark web's role in facilitating cybercrime. O'Neill emphasizes the importance of personal cybersecurity practices amid increasingly sophisticated threats. He also discusses the necessity for transparency in corporate cybersecurity and the importance of adopting a cybercriminal's mindset to strengthen defenses.
Oct 8, 2024 • 50min
Agent Garbo | WW2
Juan Pujol Garcia, famously known as Agent Garbo, was a Spanish spy whose ingenious deception tactics played a pivotal role in the Allied victory during World War II. He recounts how he impersonated a Nazi super-spy, misled German intelligence, and crafted a complex network of fictitious spies. His thrilling stories reveal the challenges he faced, including the risks of Operation Starkey and the emotional sacrifices made during Operation Overlord. Garcia’s daring strategy not only changed the course of history but also illustrated the high stakes of espionage.
8 snips
Oct 1, 2024 • 49min
True Spies Classic: The Rookie and Bin Laden | CIA
Tracy Walder, a former CIA officer who played a pivotal role during the 9/11 crisis, shares her gripping journey from a college student to a key player in intelligence operations. She recounts the harrowing atmosphere in the CIA's secret bunker as they focused on capturing Osama Bin Laden. Tracy dives into her first day nerves and the intense pressure of post-9/11 operations, revealing how she balanced high-stakes scenarios with emotional resilience. Her transition from espionage to inspiring future generations adds a hopeful dimension to her compelling story.
Sep 24, 2024 • 30min
True Spies Debriefs: Tracy Walder on trauma
Spying is stressful, often traumatic work - how do they cope?Former FBI and CIA employee Tracy Walder speaks to True Spies producer Morgan Childs about the mental health ramifications of intelligence work, and her personal experiences as a woman in the line of duty.From SPYSCAPE, the HQ of secrets. A Cup And Nuzzle production. Series producer: Joe Foley. Produced by Morgan Childs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
